Toure predicts Liverpool lift-off

After Daniel Sturridge had smashed the hosts ahead against Stoke on Saturday, new goalkeeper Simon Mignolet pushed away a Jonathan Walters penalty to ensure Brendan Rodgers' team started their season with a win.

Sturridge saw a goal disallowed and the Reds hit the woodwork twice - including a thunderous early header from Toure - and the Ivorian believes the level of performance suggests positive times ahead.

The No.4 told the Liverpool Echo: "We had some chances to kill the game and didn't take them but we got the three points.

"We have been working so hard with the manager during pre-season. The spirit in the squad is very good and the mentality of all the players is great. We won as a team.

"It's fantastic for all the supporters and the players for us to start like this. It will give everyone a big lift. This win will be important for the future of this football club."

Amidst the drama on an action-packed opening day at Anfield, it was Sturridge who proved the difference with his accurate drive from the edge of the area in the first half.

"Daniel Sturridge, for me, is one of the best players I'm playing with. I see him in training every day," added an impressed Toure.

"I knew him when he was at Chelsea but now I have more respect for him. I think he's a great striker. He never gives up, he's very fit and has been working so hard.

"It was only his second game since he came back from injury. Look at what he did, he showed his quality and I'm really happy for him.

"I'm very proud of my teammate. It's not easy to play like that."

Toure also believes Mignolet's match-winning penalty save is perfect proof of the Belgian's 'fantastic' ability.

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"It was an unbelievable double save," he said.

"It was normal for Simon to be nervous early on. As a 'keeper you don't touch the ball as much.

"You don't need them many times in the game but when you do the best ones are there waiting. Simon showed that he's a fantastic goalkeeper."